xHope Missionshttp://www.xhopemissions.org
xHope MissionsWed, 20 Sep 2017 21:41:20 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.5Sunday July 2ndhttp://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/sunday-july-2nd/
http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/sunday-july-2nd/#respondTue, 04 Jul 2017 23:27:21 +0000http://www.xhopemissions.org/?p=2833
What a beautiful morning at Acacia Church. Pastor Terry and Mam Debbie pastor Acacia Church and have been a huge support to Redeemer House since the very start of the childrens home. Pastor Terry is our pastor, he knows our staff and children well and he is always excited to see our teams from America […]]]>

What a beautiful morning at Acacia Church. Pastor Terry and Mam Debbie pastor Acacia Church and have been a huge support to Redeemer House since the very start of the childrens home. Pastor Terry is our pastor, he knows our staff and children well and he is always excited to see our teams from America return. We were blessed by their hospitality and enjoyed a beautiful dinner at their house together. We are thankful for the Nesters and look forward to our time together each trip.

Our time here seems short, in fact there is never enough time to spend with our Redeemer House family. Our staff and children are so much fun and full of love, we can’t get enough. Our field trip after church was to the Mansion Hotel where we had a swim party. We had over 40 guests attend-and I found myself with a permanent smile as I watched some dance on the deck, others hold babies, and the pool full of playful friends of all ages. There was much laughter and joy, I smile thinking about it. Our entire staff was there, all of our RH children, the Palm Family and of course of mission team including our boys from Providence. The pool was full at all times and the there was not a second that went by that we did not find ourselves belly laughing together.

But the laughter ended when it was time to say our goodbyes. We all sat in a circle and the children who wanted to speak stood up to share with us the impact we are making. Tears steamed from all of our eyes as we were reminded of why we come back every 6 months. The changes in these kids lives are the true testimonies of the success of Redeemer House. Our children have indeed been given hope, education, love and forever family. As they grow up they are able to clearly express their gratitude and it is beautiful to hear in their words what Redeemer House has done for them. They always testify to God’s love for them because of what they have been rescued from and how they have been loved and cared for ever since.

Our kids are well cared for and loved 24 hours a day because we have the best staff in all of Uganda. We are excited to announce our newest staff member Simon Andule. Simon has been cared for and sponsored for the last 7 years by one of our original Redeemer House board members. Simon has grown to be an incredible leader and man of God. He is finishing University now and will graduate with a degree in social work. He desires so much to give back and be at Redeemer House full-time and we are thankful for his commitment to us. As for now, he is our part-time Education Coordinator and will be full-time once he graduates.

When we see our very own Redeemer House students succeed and use the little God has given them to accomplish much, we celebrate! Our kids are the future of Uganda and we are confident that with the love of God, the support of Redeemer House, and the education provided we are in the midst of world changers!

In fact, saying “see you later” to all these world changers today was so difficult. They love us, welcome us, and wait for us to return. The many tears shed today from broken hearts of knowing we will be separated again, oceans apart, didn’t feel good. It’s hard to say good-bye, and so we don’t, we say “see you later.” We are already planning our next team trip and we look forward to the celebration we will have when we are together again. Would you like to join us to start the new year? We are now accepting applications, email news@xhopemissions to learn more.

]]>http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/sunday-july-2nd/feed/0Saturday July 1st Seed Outreach-We came to Servehttp://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/saturday-july-1st-seed-outreach-we-came-to-serve/
http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/saturday-july-1st-seed-outreach-we-came-to-serve/#respondTue, 04 Jul 2017 23:18:43 +0000http://www.xhopemissions.org/?p=2818
When we walked outside our gates down the red dirt road, heavily under construction we didn’t know what to expect. Our Redeemer House is located on the border of one village and our new land for the school, only 1/4 mile down, is located in an entirely different village. This means we have two villages […]]]>

When we walked outside our gates down the red dirt road, heavily under construction we didn’t know what to expect. Our Redeemer House is located on the border of one village and our new land for the school, only 1/4 mile down, is located in an entirely different village. This means we have two villages to support, love, and partner with.

The LCs (local community leaders) who are appointed by the government had met with our management staff prior to the seed outreach. We asked them each to invite 30 families from their villages who were most in need. We had Days for Girls kits donated by the Sacramento branch for the older girls, dresses for orphans donated by that same sewing group led by Carol Hanna, soccer jerseys donated by Elk Grove youth soccer and of course the seeds all of our partners in the USA donated. As we realized the immediate need for food, we also purchased a bag of beans for each family.

As we entered the property where the LCs had gathered their families. We were greeted by about 300 waiting women, men, and children. They had carried chairs from each of their houses and set them up front for us, but they sat under trees and on the dirt hills patiently waiting to hear from us.

We introduced ourselves and Redeemer House and then broke up into teams according to the age groups. The older boys went with Dylan, Simon, Freddy and Michael. The younger boys were led by our oldest Redeemer House boys, Brian, Ivan, Api and even Nikko. The girls were off with Jacqui, the Palm girls, Suzanne, Cara, Christina, Peyton, Cienna, Maurine, Sara, Heather, Mama Eva and Mama Esther. Pastor Simon, Pastor Tucker, Mercy, Mebra, Auntie Lovelyn, Bernard and myself stayed with the women and men to share testimony and encourage the village to work hard “sewing seeds.” We preached the gospel of Gods love and even experienced salvation.

The most incredible part of today was seeing the Redeemer House staff and children, CSI Ministry team, Palm Family, and xHope Missions Team work together. I was so proud looking around this compound listening to testimonies being shared, seeing our RH teens leading, watching Jacqui teach a science project with seeds, hearing Pastor Tucker get the community ready and excited about the future land development and seeing all of our team using their gifts and talents to serve this community. I have never felt more confident in the vision God has given us for the community of Butiki. We are a city on a hill and we will shine bright. A school and church is in our near future but we can’t do it alone. We need one another.

The outreach was organized, helpful, and most of all a blessing to the villages surrounding us. We believe that our neighbors know they are loved! We are eager to see how these families partner with us as we develop more services to meet their needs. In fact, the elders and LCs of both villages met with the management team and myself after the outreach. It was a time of vulnerability and vision casting as we shared the details of our future land site. We explained very clearly that we are looking to equip and empower the families; not to be a place where free hand outs are given. The biggest concern has been the water source, as when we did leave the gates open for the community to access our bore hole freely, the pump was almost broken in only three short weeks. It became hectic and very much misused.

We can’t allow the things that God provides us at Redeemer House to not be stewarded well. The LCs requested we have a pump and a tap that goes outside our fence for the community. I agree this would be a very beneficial gift we can give, but I also believe the community can help with the cost. I asked the LCs to work together with their families to come up with half the cost and we would do our best to come up with half the cost. Water is such a vital part of giving life in Africa; we are currently servicing the community one day a week with an employee overseeing the use of the pump. It is working temporarily but we do agree that a tap out front with a full-time employee overseeing it would be the most effective way to give life to so many more.

Giving life to our neighbors at this outreach was exactly what we did. To bless them with the beans, maze (corn) seeds, soccer jerseys, dresses and Days for Girls Kits opened the door for us to preach the gospel and also be His hands and feet. Jesus came to serve, not to he served, and we were honored to be like Him today in that way. For all of you who sent us with the supplies THANK-YOU! For all who prayed THANK-YOU! For all our monthly partners THANK-YOU! We are making a difference one family at a time and our territory continues to be expanded. It’s an honor.

]]>http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/saturday-july-1st-seed-outreach-we-came-to-serve/feed/0Friday June 30 – Education Shapes the Future Leadershttp://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/friday-june-30-education-shapes-the-future-leaders/
http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/friday-june-30-education-shapes-the-future-leaders/#respondSat, 01 Jul 2017 16:50:35 +0000http://www.xhopemissions.org/?p=2802
Today we toured Magwa School where some of our Redeemer House students attend. It was such a reminder to us why we continue to advocate for these children to be educated. Education here is not free, and it’s one of the only answers to poverty. Our education sponsorship program has been a direct answer to […]]]>

Today we toured Magwa School where some of our Redeemer House students attend. It was such a reminder to us why we continue to advocate for these children to be educated.

Education here is not free, and it’s one of the only answers to poverty. Our education sponsorship program has been a direct answer to begin preparing the next generation of Ugandans to care for their people. Simon and Patrick are beautiful example of this.

If you have not met Patrick and Simon, we hope you get to someday. They have been pioneers of our program and have taken the gift of education and given back to children who were in their same situation. In fact, we are so thankful to announce that Simon is coming on staff at Redeemer House. Simon has 1 year left of University where he will graduate with a degree in social work. He is determined to give back to Redeemer House and will be in a full time internship with us in August and September. I am confident that our director Mercy, and our social worker Mebra, will take the time to mentor and train Simon well. We are encouraged by the fruit in the lives of all of our students, and we rejoice when they make the decision to give back!

In fact, we have two more students who currently desire to reach the highest honors in school and have asked for us to increase their school sponsorship. It was eye opening for us to hear that they are currently living in a home with one grandmother and 13 children. They are not feeling safe and are having a very difficult time studying. When they eat, it is one meal a day that is provided by the sponsorship through Redeemer House. There is abuse in the home and the children are asking to be enrolled in boarding school. This 13 year-old girl and 14 year-old brother want to study, succeed, and make a way to be free from the generation of poverty. We want to help them!

When we are able to see what our little can do here to help these children, it’s easy to raise our hands high and say “yes.” In fact, the minute Dylan heard of the need and the monthly sponsor amount he immediately volunteered to be their sponsor. Not only has Dylan provided these children a way to get the best education available, he is rescuing them from abuse and providing them a meal 3 times per day.

For the cost of $35 per month WE can change a life forever. If you would like to sponsor a Childs education please visit our website at www.xhopemissions.org. If you are currently sponsoring a child, you have changed a life and we want to invite you on mission to meet your student! They love you. They pray for you. They are changed because of you! You have given them a hope and changed a future generation. We rejoice because of YOU!

]]>http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/friday-june-30-education-shapes-the-future-leaders/feed/0Wednesday and Thursday-June 28 & 29http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/wednesday-and-thursday-june-28-and-june-29-two-for-one/
http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/wednesday-and-thursday-june-28-and-june-29-two-for-one/#respondFri, 30 Jun 2017 15:44:16 +0000http://www.xhopemissions.org/?p=2799It has been an incredible two days; we have so much to share about the children and staff at Redeemer House. We are truly humbled and honored to be welcomed by such a beautiful family!

Redeemer House is exactly that, a family. These children are well behaved, full of JOY, and they LOVE the staff and visitors. It is amazing to see these children come from such broken places, even near death, and then return 6 months later to see them rehabilitated emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. One of our newest children was rescued by our previous intern. His name is baby Ryan.

Ryan is nearly 3 years old and was almost dead when he was found. His father leaves so often for work and does not stay in the village to care for him; his mother has abandoned him and ultimately he was left to be cared for by the grandmother-a witch doctor in the village. Instead of getting baby Ryan medical attention as he lay ill, progressing towards death, she continued to cast spells. Her magic was not working to heal the boy but only made him worse.

After medical attention was finally sought, Redeemer House was able to take him to our probation officer to receive a care order. He is now in the care of Redeemer House and he is thriving. We have such beautiful pictures to share. It’s amazing to see true beauty in such turmoil; but when one child is rescued it’s worth every bit of time, effort, and investment we can make. As our social workers continue to meet with his extended family and hope for resettlement, we want Gods will for Ryan above all. Please keep him in your prayers, along with the other 14 children we are currently caring for.

The team has had a JOY-FILLED time playing with the children and even working with the staff. We were able to assist (only a little bit-they don’t let us work much) with the outdoor kitchen and the carpeting of the office. Our staff is thankful when the mission teams come and are able to help with project development around the property. We are taking baby steps to make our vision a reality in Butiki, and each step taken we give THANKS for.

After the work was completed, our team had plenty of time to color with the kids, play games, basketball, t-ball, crafts, and enjoy the swing set. Some bathed the children, helped organize rooms, and even assisted with farming. The older girls enjoyed doing braids in Cienna and Peyton’s hair while the rest of the team enjoyed dancing with the children. My favorite thing about bringing new mission teams to visit Redeemer House is knowing that they are experiencing the same miracles of redemption I experience each time I come; these kids are miracles and they are Redeemed, this is Redeemer House!

Suzanne and I have spent hours one-on-one with the staff. We have encouraged, exhorted and even had the opportunity to gift them with items brought over from America. We asked for them to share the good things and the concerns. The words the staff used to explain RH are God-Fearing, family, team, unity, unconditional love, serving one-another, forgiving, hard working and always together. It was exciting for Suzanne and I to hear their hearts, see their joy, and experience their thanksgiving when they expressed how grateful they are to be working at Redeemer House.

For those of you reading this blog I am convinced you support Redeemer House through financial partnerships, prayer, or may have visited on a mission trip. We can not THANK YOU enough for continuing to change lives and families one child at a time. YOU are the reason these children are forever changed and this staff is continuing to grow and mature into leaders in the new community of Butiki. Redeemer House is a “City on a Hill!”

]]>http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/wednesday-and-thursday-june-28-and-june-29-two-for-one/feed/0Oh What a Glorious Day! -Guest post by Cienna Crosshttp://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/oh-what-a-glorious-day-guest-post-by-cienna-cross/
http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/oh-what-a-glorious-day-guest-post-by-cienna-cross/#respondWed, 28 Jun 2017 18:57:22 +0000http://www.xhopemissions.org/?p=2786
Redeemer House Day 1 started out just like any normal day on this trip. Everyone woke up, got ready, had a cup of coffee, fellowshipped a bit, and then sat down together around the table for breakfast. The French toast was AMAZING! After that, was devotion time. Gathered out on the back porch sitting in […]]]>

Redeemer House Day 1 started out just like any normal day on this trip. Everyone woke up, got ready, had a cup of coffee, fellowshipped a bit, and then sat down together around the table for breakfast. The French toast was AMAZING!

After that, was devotion time. Gathered out on the back porch sitting in one big circle, joined by our Ugandan friends Kaka, Freddie, and Simon, we dove into the word talking about “Gods love”. A few words we found when studying HIS love were compassionate, empathy, abundance, infinite, and precious. We defined them, breaking down just how special HIS love is. We found and agreed that no human in their own strength can love continuously and completely like God does. The devotion said “God’s love is rich. There’s no shortage of love when it comes to God. We can drain the love-bank of the people in our lives — our brokenness and dysfunction making their love run thin. But that never happens with the Lord. He loves, loves, and spills out more love.” This was humbling yet so comforting hearing this. Yoga followed shortly after, lead by Jacqui. No one could stay serious for more than 3 minutes, it was a sight to see. We even had our Uganda friends Simon and Jospeh participate.

Everyone loaded up and we were headed to Redeemer House. Making our way through the village of Butiki, children waved, pointed, and yelled “Mzungu!” (white person). We pulled up to the driveway of Redeemer House; you could feel the anticipation in the air. Some very eager to see their loved ones that they haven’t seen in years and others equally as eager to meet these little kids they have heard so much about. Looking up to the picnic table area as we pulled in, you could see some of the kids sitting there waiting for us. They were yelling, smiling, giggling, and waving at us as we pulled all the way up the driveway. Everyone had their arms hugging either a child or a staff member within seconds from stepping foot off the van.

We started off our visit by sitting around in the living room introducing ourselves. Then the real work began. Wendi and the staff all had a meeting. Christina and Bernard took charge. They split us up. Half went up the hill to shovel and bring down some sand. The other half went down to the well to pump water and fill up buckets. After pumping the water, we had to hike back up the hill to a bigger jug located near the cement sand. It was HOT and HARD work. Everyone saw past the difficulty, however, and even the little kids were helping. The team successfully accomplished the task and had no more work to be done until the following day.

An amazing lunch was served after all the hard work. Bananas, watermelon, rice, rolex, chicken, water, and soda awaited us. This is when the real fun began; playing with the kids and staff! The children took the team members on a tour of the land were we saw all the crops growing and the animals that were being raised. Some went on the swing set, played soccer, and gathered at the picnic table. Laughter filled the air. Each and every person was connecting with one another and getting to know each other more and more. “Gods love” was being displayed in that place like no other.

Around 3 that afternoon we said our goodbyes and “see you tomorrow’s.” We loaded up and headed out to the Palm family’s house. Amazing house filled with 11 children and the Nile River in their backyard! We met the family, took a walk down to the Nile River bank, toured their house, hung out on the balcony playing games and eating jackfruit, watched the local village kids play a soccer game, and then made our way back to the guest house before the sunset. Dinner was french fries, chicken, mango, and salad, everyone was excited! We enjoyed some more laughter, stories, and smiles as we feasted.

It was one successful day ending with lots of rest preparing us for tomorrow!

]]>http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/oh-what-a-glorious-day-guest-post-by-cienna-cross/feed/0Monday, June 26th Peaceful, Yet So Persistenthttp://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/monday-june-26th-peaceful-yet-so-persistent/
http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/monday-june-26th-peaceful-yet-so-persistent/#respondTue, 27 Jun 2017 16:50:14 +0000http://www.xhopemissions.org/?p=2770
Today is the day we traveled in “convo” back to Jinja. We left Kampala and CSIM, but had one more stop at another CSI church plant and school. The travel is intense here, but this team I am with is the most easy-going group of people I have ever traveled with. I can’t explain the peace that has […]]]>

Today is the day we traveled in “convo” back to Jinja. We left Kampala and CSIM, but had one more stop at another CSI church plant and school. The travel is intense here, but this team I am with is the most easy-going group of people I have ever traveled with. I can’t explain the peace that has surrounded us at all times. In fact, today while visiting the schools I lit up watching the team interact with the village people, the staff, the children and each other. I smiled and just kept giving thanks for each of them.

Let me introduce you to my partners and travel buddies this trip. They are all so peaceful, yet so persistent and I am enjoying standing on the sidelines as they use their gifts and talents to reach many.

Jacqui is my cousin from Carmel Valley. This is her second time in Africa, although you would think she lives her with her comfort-ability and eagerness to teach. She is a special needs school teacher at home, and she is staying an additional 2 weeks on this trip to spend some time teaching our Redeemer House kids. Jacqui has a heart for special needs children and was the first to recognize 2 Down syndrome children in the school we toured yesterday. Her eyes filled with joy, not sorrow, and she be-lined directly to them for cuddles and loves. She then went to the teacher and began to ask questions about these children and their families. She shared insight and knowledge about special needs children and that school is eager to have Jacqui visit before she leaves to teach the teacher and families about down syndrome and ways to adapt their learning. Jacqui has the LOVE of an angel. Her bright beautiful eyes display a glow that says without any words “you are loved!”

Dylan is a recipient of Jacqui’s love daily; he is her boyfriend from Carmel and on this trip for the first time. He is gentle, kind, loving and everyone wants to be his friend! He has been given gifts wherever we go. The kids flock to him and want to take pictures. He is playful and fun, not sure who wouldn’t want to be his friend? I have enjoyed watching Dylan take it all in. At times I can see it’s so much; and then a few deep breathes later he is hands on and enjoying every minute. Dylan is a “seeker” always researching and finds us the answers each time we lack. He is the man on the trip and because of this, he gets a lot of attention walking through the slums of Africa with all of us women. We are thankful for him, and certainly THANKFUL for the new friend we are all leaving with.

Cara is also from Carmel Valley and she knows friendship with Dylan first-hand. She is not only his friend, but his mother. It has been a SWEET time watching her experience Africa alongside Dylan and Jacqui. I know that God has reminded her on this trip of all His promises. Cara is a sacrificial giver, an encourager, and one who walks around open to whatever God has next. I have seen her open up and inside that beautiful heart of hers lies a hidden faith that most wouldn’t know exists. She knows how to love because she knows she is loved. She is slow to anger, wants harmony, and LOVES BIG. Cara sees the need here and she has been spurred on to share with friends and family. When she interacts with the children she does so gently, kindly, and with compassion. The kids flock to her and she enjoys every minute of it. Cara has the heart and unconditional love of a mommy, not just to her 3 biological boys, but to so many more.

Another “mom to many” is Suzanne. Suzanne has 11 children back home and would bring home 11 more from here if it were allowed. She is here on this trip fulfilling a 30 year dream to be on mission in Africa. She is quiet yet so wise. She brings such a gentle presence to our team, so much ministry experience, and more than anything a covering of prayer and peace. Suzanne is an introvert, but she has embraced every moment to ENJOY our time here. From dancing, singing, laughing out loud, pumping water from the well, speaking to the children, sharing with the pastor, getting to know new people, and embracing the culture, she has been asked 3 separate times, “why are you still in America? You belong in Uganda!”

You know who else belongs in Uganda? Cienna! My niece is adventurous, full of joy, kind-hearted, cheerful, compassionate and loving…to EVERY child she sees or touches. She has such a gift of empathy that she literally “feels” what these kids feel and it raises up a boldness in her to seek justice. Every time we take a walk she is first to stop to hold a baby, high five a child, and give a gift. There is no doubt in my mind that Cienna will be a world changer for many kids who need an advocate and a cheerleader. I am so proud this girl is here-she is a gift!

Peyton makes us incredibly proud also, she is one of the most precious young ladies I know! A college student on mission, giving all of herself to see these kids loved. She is adaptable and full of JOY. She is teachable and stands firm on her convictions. When I see Pey playing with the kids I can’t help but to wonder how in the world a 19 year-old young lady would take the leap of faith without family and come across the country with us. And then I am reminded, SHE IS FAMILY! She is the closest person to a teenage daughter to me I have ever had, except I don’t have to parent her, I just get to love her and enjoy her friendship and fun-loving character. Peyton is already an example to many, and I am confident that she will be entrusted with a very important avenue to impact many, many, many more!

Christina is here for the third time, and because of the impact she has had here in the past, she has made many friends. It is a JOY to see her gather and scatter. She is energetic, fun, and full of giggles. I enjoy watching her build relationships and reconnect with friends. She shares her story openly and it has been an avenue of hope for so many who are struggling. I am thankful for her experience and willingness to serve in whatever ways possible. She looks for ways to help the team and will always “go first.” Christina is mover and shaker, she gets things done, and we have been blessed by her persistence.

With a team this full of LOVE, I can only reflect nightly with a smile on my face. I am THANKFUL for the peace and the persistence of this team. And I am IMPRESSED that they decided we are going to pray, ask, and fund-raise for a van! We already have been given a $7500 matching grant from Jim Roberts, so they came up with the idea to do $7000 in 7 days. If you would like to be a part of purchasing a van for Redeemer House please donate online at www.xhopemissions.org and comment 7×7.

Big things happen in 7 days-come along for the ride!

]]>http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/monday-june-26th-peaceful-yet-so-persistent/feed/0Sunday, June 24th– Miracles Happenhttp://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/sunday-june-24th-miracles-happen/
http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/sunday-june-24th-miracles-happen/#respondTue, 27 Jun 2017 02:03:25 +0000http://www.xhopemissions.org/?p=2751
There are truly no words to express the love of God we experienced today at CSI. No words. So writing this out I feel minimizes what we saw today with our own eyes. We saw JOY that can’t be explained. We experienced GENEROSITY that was so sacrificial we had a hard time receiving. We were […]]]>

There are truly no words to express the love of God we experienced today at CSI. No words. So writing this out I feel minimizes what we saw today with our own eyes.

We saw JOY that can’t be explained. We experienced GENEROSITY that was so sacrificial we had a hard time receiving. We were shown HONOR in an introduction to the church that humbled us greatly. We were provided HOSPITALITY in an over abundance, meaning 2 lunches that members of the church sacrificially gave toward. We were PRAYED for and could not help but to feel supported and loved. The 6 hour church service was life changing and we see God working mightily at CSI. We are thankful for the new partnership and look forward to working together in the future.

We have land in Butiki with a dream to build a school and church, Pastor Tucker called out to his congregation yesterday asking “who of you are ready to relocate to Butiki to plant a church and build a school?” To our surprise some agreed. Pastor Tucker also called me out-asking me to introduce the team in great detail. As I finished I went to hand back the microphone and he would not accept that. He said, “you are not done, keep going.” I had not prepared to teach, but I am always prepared to share our adoption stories and share why we believe so strongly in orphan care and adoption, so I did just that. The church was so receptive to the call to care for the orphan they took an offering to send with us to Redeemer House.

Our team had a hard time receiving the offering because we knew the sacrifice of these cheerful givers was a BIG one! They were giving what they had available and whatever they could give. This means we were given pens, food, clothing, handkerchiefs, coins and schillings. The total CSI gifted to us was the same amount of the entire churches tithe last week…it was 249,000 schillings, which is equal to $84 American dollars. I have never in my life seen those with such little money give so much. It was a beautiful example of generosity and one I hope changes our lives forever. They are RICH with Gods love and that is so much more valuable than a million dollars.

When we returned from church we had a hard time expressing to one another the different ways we felt God’s presence during the service. The one thing we all had in common and could name was the miracle we saw when a young Muslim man accepted Jesus Christ. The church began to sing “chains be broken” and Jacqui described the prayers as “thunder.” It was a miracle. The Bible says when one is saved the Heavens rejoice; we experienced Heaven today.

We have experienced so much that we wonder how we could take in anymore. It is beautiful here, overwhelmingly full of love, and have witnessed that miracles do happen. We love our partners at CSI and we love Uganda.

]]>http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/sunday-june-24th-miracles-happen/feed/0Saturday June 24thhttp://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/saturday-june-24th/
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Saturday, June 24th Restful day today visiting CSI staff and spending quality time together as a team. We had a wonderful devotion together, it was such a sweet time. We started our morning”late,” actually slept in and woke up feeling like we have conquered jet lag. A few of us took the entire day […]]]>

Saturday, June 24th

Restful day today visiting CSI staff and spending quality time together as a team. We had a wonderful devotion together, it was such a sweet time. We started our morning”late,” actually slept in and woke up feeling like we have conquered jet lag.

A few of us took the entire day to “rest” while others spent the afternoon at the market. Peyton, Cienna, Christina, Suzanne and myself went shopping and picked out a few special gifts. Cara, Dylan and Jacqui read and rested up for our big day tomorrow.

I planned to rest too until I heard the voice of one of my best friends here, Simon Andule finally arrived to stay with us. I love having time with this young man. He is called to be a world changer I can see it now…and we get to play a part in his journey. Simon is a true gem; he has one full year left of University and then he and Patrick (our first RH college graduate) will lock arms and serve RH together, you all just wait to see what God will do in and through them. They are pioneering the way for our younger boys who are watching and learning. I was excited to finally introduce Simon to Dylan-now Dylan has a buddy for the remainder of the trip.

We are preparing for bed already and looking forward to a wonderful Sunday with CSI. We know going to bed early is wise since we need all of our energy to keep up with the singing, dancing, and worship we will experience tomorrow at church. Uganda church requires endurance and always produces joy…I can’t wait! Wish you all were right here with us!

]]>http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/saturday-june-24th/feed/0Touring and Teaching-June 23http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/touring-and-teaching-june-23/
http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/touring-and-teaching-june-23/#respondSat, 24 Jun 2017 15:10:04 +0000http://www.xhopemissions.org/?p=2735
“Good morning and welcome our dear visitors, we are Primary 3.” The sweetest greeting ever-and the children were so excited to hear about America, airplanes, and our families back home. Today we were not only greeted by P3, but also by the kindergarten and baby school classes, CSI school P1 all the way up to […]]]>

“Good morning and welcome our dear visitors, we are Primary 3.” The sweetest greeting ever-and the children were so excited to hear about America, airplanes, and our families back home. Today we were not only greeted by P3, but also by the kindergarten and baby school classes, CSI school P1 all the way up to P7, and also the newest CSI campus in the slums.

Half of our team has never experienced driving through the slums. Not only is it hard to see, it’s a very intense drive. The roads are tattered and filled with deep pot holes, garbage lining the sides of the roads and the children run around bare foot wearing little clothing. Most are unsupervised and it is a difficult sight…deep breaths in don’t seems to alleviate the emotions, but only remind us that these helpless children have no other choice but to merely survive. It is heavy and painful to witness.

In the middle of this slum stands a wooden building on 2 acres, with cabbage fields and tomato plants. Outlined with a brick wall and an iron gate, children are inside this “oasis” being educated! Immediately upon entering CSI there is a peace, a sense of life, and children with the largest smiles you have ever seen. They are in an entirely different world during the day; away from the dangers of the slums they enter a safe haven where they have been given a chance to not only survive, but to someday thrive! These are the small beginnings-and it’s exactly what we hope for Redeemer School in the future. “Do not despise the small beginnings.”

All CSI campuses began small, but seeing the larger two today was truly miraculous. We toured CSI’s 2 large schools in town and had the opportunity to teach the children. It was a sweet time to see Jacqui in her element, she took the lead and had those kids on point. Dylan was not shy, he had so much fun teaching the kids how to make paper airplanes. The beautiful thing about those airplanes is that they were colored and decorated by the children with words and pictures of things/people they are thankful for. We taught on thanksgiving and were reminded of our wonderful families and friends back home who sent us-WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU!

Being thankful is exactly how we all feel after today. It’s an honor to be here and we have been so incredibly impacted already. We also enjoyed the Ndere Cultural show tonight and were entertained for 3 hours by the most beautiful Ugandan tribal dancers. The athleticism, rhythm, grace and creativity kept us with eyes wide open! It was truly a wonderful way to end our evening. The teaching and touring made for a full day, jet lag has kicked in, and we are tired.

]]>http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/touring-and-teaching-june-23/feed/0Training and Travel June 22-23http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/training-and-travel-june-22-23/
http://www.xhopemissions.org/uncategorized/training-and-travel-june-22-23/#respondSat, 24 Jun 2017 05:57:17 +0000http://www.xhopemissions.org/?p=2726
We are off to a great start-we spent about 12 hours together doing missionary training before we departed with our 16 50lb bags, 8 carry-on’s and 8 personal backpacks. This training is a vital part of our mission trip. We had a great time getting to know one another, studying Uganda culture, preparing […]]]>

We are off to a great start-we spent about 12 hours together doing missionary training before we departed with our 16 50lb bags, 8 carry-on’s and 8 personal backpacks. This training is a vital part of our mission trip. We had a great time getting to know one another, studying Uganda culture, preparing and packing. This trip we have 4 new missionaries; Dylan, Cara, Peyton and Suzanne. We also have 4 returning missionaries; myself, Christina, Cienna and Jacqui. I know that this trip is going to be one that is not only impactful, but life changing for each of us. We have prepared as much as possible and are trusting God with every detail. Off we go!

The flights were on time. We successfully made it through immigration and believe it or not, the checking in of all our luggage and ourselves went smoothly. It helps that a majority of this team describe themselves as “easy-going.” I however, was the only one with an intense pat-down at San Francisco airport-the “buggy,” aka “stroller,” we are bringing for our Ugandan director, set off an alarm and ALL my stuff and myself had to be searched. The team had a great time watching the show, giggling, and even taking video footage.

But, we made it safely with all our luggage and we were greeted when we exited the airport by CSI (Christ Sanctuary International). Not only was the CSI team waiting to help us with all of our luggage, they also greeted us with individual bouquets of flowers for each missionary. What a sweet moment to see the ladies on their first mission trip experience such loving and beautiful hospitality. A few tears of pure gratitude were shed and our team embraced their new Ugandan friends. I personally find this type of love shared one of life’s greatest joy’s…people from across the world coming here to share love-and in turn receive such blessing. How can that be? Pure strangers coming together with welcoming and receptive hearts, aligned to serve on another, all for the glory of God. It reminds me of the verse, “outdo one another in doing good.”

CSI are long-time friends of Redeemer House and they have welcomed us here before. Their ministry is thriving, growing, and changing lives one child at a time. We are humbly here for the next 4 days to learn. We are here to tour the schools, visit the children, and gather as much information as possible to mirror these schools in our new village of Butiki. It’s time for some much needed rest; please pray we sleep well and wake up refreshed tomorrow for a fun day with CSI.